Are German Cars Cheaper In Europe? (6 Examples)

Wondering whether German cars are cheaper in Europe than in the United States? Stay on this page to discover the real deal.

We didn’t only explain why German cars are cheaper in Europe, we also provide various justifications for this fact. For better insight, we present the prices of six different European cars in the U.S., U.K., and Germany.

Let’s dive straight into the details!

Here’s the Short Answer to Whether German Cars Are Cheaper in Europe:

German cars may be cheaper in Europe due to factors like lower taxes or import duties, which can vary from country to country within Europe. Local market demand and competition among dealerships can also impact car prices.

Besides, German automakers also offer a range of models at different price points, depending on market preferences.

Is It Cheaper To Buy European Cars in Europe and Shipped to the U.S.?

It is not always cheaper to buy European cars in Europe and ship them to the US. This is because the cost of buying a European car in Europe and shipping it to the U.S. can vary.

In fact, it may not always result in cost savings compared to buying a European car directly in the U.S. There are several factors to consider when evaluating the cost of buying a European car in Europe and importing it to the U.S.

We highlight some of these factors below:

Shipping and Transportation Costs

Shipping a car from Europe to the U.S. can be expensive. The cost will depend on the distance, shipping method, and additional fees for customs clearance, taxes, and import duties.

Import Duties and Taxes

When importing a car to the U.S., you may be subject to import duties, taxes, and other fees levied by the U.S. government. This can significantly impact the overall cost.

The amount of import duties and taxes can vary depending on the make, model, and value of the vehicle, as well as the country of origin and specific regulations at the time of import.

Compliance With U.S. Regulations

You should also note that importing a car from Europe to the U.S. requires compliance with the U.S. regulations and standards. In most cases, you have to follow the regulations on emissions, safety, and other vehicle requirements.

If the European car does not meet U.S. regulations, you may need to modify or retrofit the vehicle, which can add to the overall cost.

Currency Exchange Rates

Currency exchange rates can also affect the cost of buying a European car in Europe and shipping it to the U.S. Fluctuations in exchange rates can impact the final price of the vehicle and add to the overall cost.

Warranty and Service

European cars purchased in Europe and imported to the U.S. may also have different warranty coverage and service options compared to those purchased directly from U.S. dealerships.

The European dealerships may have to consider some international factors and standards in the warranty and service options, and this can affect the cost of ownership.

Let’s compare the price of European cars in three different regions.

Vehicle Model	Price in Germany	Price in U.S.	Price in U.K.
1.       2023 Audi R8	From €225,000	From $161,395	From £143,735
2.       2023 Porsche Macan	From €52,900	From $57,500	From £53,400
3.       2023 BMW X7	From €95,400	From $77,850	From £86,405
4.       2023 Mercedes-Benz S-Class	From €103,638	From $114,500	From £86, 260
5.       2023 Volkswagen Jetta	From €18,777	From $24,145	From £16,328
6.       2023 Volvo S60	From €39,790	From $41,300	From £46,195

Can I Buy a European Car and Bring It to the US?

Of course, it is possible to buy a European car and bring it to the U.S. However, there are several factors and regulations to consider when doing this.

Here are the major factors you need to consider:

• Compliance with U.S. Regulations
• Import Duties and Taxes
• Documentation and Customs Clearance
• Transportation and Shipping
• Currency Exchange Rates
• Warranty and Service

Related: Can You Drive (And Register) European Cars In The U.S.?

How Much Trouble Is It To Import a Car to the U.S.?

Importing a car to the U.S. can be a complex process. It often requires careful planning, preparation, and compliance with various regulations and requirements.

Mind you, the level of trouble involved in engaging in this activity depends largely on the make and model of the vehicle, its country of origin, and specific regulations at the time of import.

Below are some factors that often make the importation processes difficult:

1. Imported Vehicles Must Meet U.S. Regulations and Standards

Before importing a car to the US, you must ensure that the vehicle meets U.S regulations that cut across emissions, safety, and other vehicle requirements.

If the vehicle does not meet U.S. regulations, you may need to modify or retrofit it to bring it into compliance. This can be time-consuming and costly, right?

2. Importing a Vehicle to the U.S. Requires Proper Documentation and Custom Clearance

Proper documentation, including the vehicle’s title, bill of sale, and other relevant paperwork, is also required when importing a vehicle to the U.S.

You will need to provide this documentation to U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) and go through customs clearance. These involve specific procedures and requirements.

3. You May Be Subject to Import Duties and Taxes

When importing a car to the U.S., you may be subject to import duties, taxes, and other fees levied by the U.S. government.

The amount of import duties and taxes can vary depending on the make, model, and value of the vehicle, as well as the country of origin and specific regulations at the time of import.

4. You’ll Handle the Stress of Transportation and Shipping

Importing a vehicle from another country typically involves transportation and shipping costs. This includes transportation to the port of departure, ocean freight charges, and transportation from the U.S. port of entry to your desired destination.

You’ll have to handle the stress, and inconveniences involve in this as well.

5. There May Be State and Local Regulations

In addition to federal regulations, there may also be state and local regulations that apply to importing a vehicle to the U.S. Your state authorities may also have distinct regulations regarding emissions standards, safety inspections and registration requirements.

6. It Requires Time and Effort

It is important to also note that importing a vehicle to the U.S. requires time and effort.

From extensive research to paperwork preparation, communication with various parties, and coordination of logistics, you may also subject yourself to these complex and time-consuming activities.

Are Car Models Identical in Europe and the U.S.?

While many car models are similar or even identical in Europe and the U.S., there can be some slight differences that could result from varying regulations, market demands, and regional preferences.

Here are some factors that could facilitate some slight differences between car models in Europe and the US:

Emissions and Safety Regulations

Europe and the U.S. have different emissions and safety regulations. These differences can result in varying engine specifications, exhaust systems, and other vehicle components.

As a result, some car models may be modified to meet specific regulations in each market, which can affect their performance, fuel efficiency, and other characteristics.

Market Demand and Preferences

Automakers often tailor their vehicle offerings based on market demand and preferences. For instance, while smaller hatchbacks or diesel-powered cars may be more popular in Europe compared to the U.S., larger SUVs or trucks may be more popular in the U.S.

Some car models may also have different trim levels, features, or options based on regional market demands.

Design and Styling

Car designs and styling can also vary between Europe and the U.S. based on cultural preferences and aesthetic tastes.

It is common to see some European car models have different exterior design elements, interior finishes, or other styling features compared to their U.S. counterparts.

Branding and Marketing

Also, automakers may use different branding and marketing strategies in Europe and the U.S. This is why some car models may have different names or logos depending on their target market, even though they are essentially the same vehicle.

Production and Manufacturing

Lastly, some car models may be produced or manufactured in different facilities for the European and U.S. markets. This can also result in differences in quality control, production processes, or component sourcing.

Make sure you also read about why European cars are better than U.S cars.

Final Thoughts

Don’t forget that at the foreign exchange rate, the Great Britain Pounds have the highest value than both euro and dollars. The U.S. dollar is also slightly lower in value than the Euro.

Thus, the little difference in the values of European cars in each of these currencies may amount to a large difference when converted using the foreign exchange rate.

Again, while most German cars are cheaper in Europe, quite a few others, like the latest Audi R8, may be more expensive in the European market than in other international markets.

Sources

How To Import a Car From Europe Quickly and Efficiently | Ship Vehicles

Europe and the U.S. Share a Lot, Except When It Comes to Cars | New York Times